Drivers in death of Vineland's Alexa Strittmatter will not face criminal charges

BRIDGETON — No criminal charges will be filed against either of the two drivers involved in the fatal accident that killed a 14-year-old Vineland High School student while she was crossing the street in October 2013, according to a news release from the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office Friday late afternoon.

On Oct. 30, 2013, at approximately 6:50 a.m., while still dark, Alexa Strittmatter attempted to cross Main Road from west to east, officials said.

As she was crossing, she was struck by a car traveling north allegedly operated by Norberto Rodriguez-Centeno, 36, of Hammonton.

As a result, Strittmatter was thrown into a the southbound lane, where she was struck by a second vehicle traveling south, operated by Marthenia Gaymon, 67, of Vineland. Strittmatter was transported to the hospital by paramedics, but succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at Inspira Medical Center.

Motor vehicle summonses were issued to both drivers. Rodriguez-Centeno was issued a ticket for allegedly having illegally tinted windows and Gaymon was issued a ticket for allegedly having hazardous bald tires.

The investigation by the Vineland Police Traffic Safety Unit, while consulting with the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office, lasted nearly a half-year.

In the release, Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said, after an exhaustive investigation, she determined that "there is no evidence that either of the alleged motor vehicle infractions played a significant role in contributing to this tragic event, nor was there any evidence of other signs of criminal recklessness such as impaired driving, cellphone usage, or excessive speed."

Procedurally, the two traffic tickets will be remanded to Vineland Municipal Court, where they will be heard in due course.

Webb-McRae noted, "because the motor vehicle summonses are pending, it is inappropriate for either the Vineland Police (Department) or the (Cumberland County) Prosecutor's Office to comment further on any of the details concerning the motor vehicle tickets issued or the facts that relate to them."